A Global Divergent Literary Collective

Menu

I Knew My Mistakes – Kristiana Reed

I knew my mistakes when they were emblazonedacross my chest, a red poker hot dressyou bought for me when I forgot your teaor to arrange the flowers perfectly.

I knew my mistakes when both helloand goodbye were pursed lips,a cold shoulder in the sheets,a clarion call of silence.

I knew my mistakes when you shared themwith our friends, your mother and mine,a verbatim list of why you didn’t have the timeto raise me an angel following in your wake.

I knew my mistakes when pityfelt more like love than kissing yougoodnight, lying in wait for you to finishme – breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I knew my mistakes when I said I was leavingand opened the door for you,letting the useless escape from my bonesto join you with your suitcase down the road.

(Photo: Vivian Maier)

Kristiana Reed day dreams, people watches in coffee shops, teaches English and writes. She is a curator on Blood into Ink, a collective member of The Whisper and the Roar & Sudden Denouement, and blogs at My Screaming Twenties. She is 24 and is enjoying the journey which is finding her voice.